Vacuum attachment for removing animal feces

ABSTRACT

A vacuum attachment for collecting animal feces comprising a container with at least a first exterior opening fitted with a disposable cap assembly, at least a second exterior opening fitted with a connector to allow connection to a source of suction or vacuum providing sufficient suction force at the opening of an intake tube capable of intaking animal feces, and at least one interior structure that prevents at least a portion of an air-permeable bag from contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the container or from being drawn into or obstructing airflow through the connector, wherein the disposable cap assembly releasably fits into the first exterior opening of the container and includes the intake tube, a collar, a sealing ridge on a perimeter of the cap assembly, an air-permeable bag securely and substantially air-tightly affixed to the collar, and an attachment fitting that securely engages a slot in the container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates generally to animal-feces removal devices and more particularly, but not in limitation, to an attachment to a vacuum source for removing pet animal feces, such as from dogs, cats, and other pet animals, from paved surfaces and non-paved surfaces, for example, streets, sidewalks, lawns, gardens, trails, walk-ways, floors, carpeting, and rugs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Animal feces can contain bacteria, for example, E. coli and salmonella, and parasites, for example, worms, and therefore can be a health hazard as well as unsightly and malodorous. On household yards, nature trails, streets, school grounds, and playgrounds, animal feces is a potential health risk to small children who, unknowledgeable of its danger to health, might pick up some feces out of curiosity, resulting in transmittal from the feces of a cause of illness or disease. However, children knowledgeable of the danger of feces to health, as well as adults, might accidentally or unknowingly step in or otherwise contact feces in such places or in other places. Also, animal feces in lawn or other mowed areas is subject to dispersal by a mower, resulting in an unnoticeable health risk in the mowed and adjacent areas as well as on portions of the mower. To minimize health risks from feces, it must be collected and properly disposed of. In addition, some municipalities fine pet owners who do not clean up the feces deposited by their pets in public areas.

There have been many approaches to cleaning up animal feces, including mechanical pick-up devices and suction devices, which utilize a source of vacuum to pull feces from a surface and into a collection element for subsequent disposal. Previous vacuum sources have included mechanically-based, electrically-based, and gasoline-based means. The vacuum sources are sometimes integrated with removal and collection means and can be portable. Although usually effective in removing feces from a surface, these approaches have failed to provide an inexpensive and convenient way to keep the removal device free from being contaminated with some part or residue of the removed feces. As a result, a fecally-contaminated fecal-removal device can become an unintentional health hazard during storage, especially if the device is stored, for example, in a garage or other location where children might pick it up to play with. One approach to minimizing or eliminating the associated health risk with these devices would be to thoroughly clean and disinfect the device after each use. However, that approach is expensive, messy, and time-consuming, usually resulting in not being done properly or frequently enough. Therefore, there is a need for a feces removal device that inexpensively, neatly, and conveniently minimizes or substantially reduces health risks from fecal residue on the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general and not by limitation, the present invention is a vacuum attachment for collecting animal feces comprising a container having a first exterior opening fitted with an inexpensive, replaceable, disposable fecal-matter collection assembly that includes a bag and a fecal-matter intake tube, and a second exterior opening to allow connection to a source of suction or vacuum providing sufficient suction force at the opening of the intake tube capable of intaking animal feces.

The present invention provides several advantages in use over previous fecal-collection devices. One advantage is that the present invention is an attachment readily attachable to common vacuum sources such as a general-utility vacuum, for example, one commonly known as a shop vac, or a wearable, gasoline-powered leaf/clippings blower motor having a suction input nozzle or port, which a pet owner might already have. Another advantage of the present invention is that one of its features is a disposable, integrated fecal-matter collection assembly, which includes a disposable collection bag and fecal-matter intake tube, so that the fecal-contaminated intake tube is also disposed of and does not remain as a potential health risk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The same number in different figures represents the same element or equivalent functional element. FIG. 1 a illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 b illustrates a plan view of the exterior of the front end of the embodiment in FIG. 1 a, and FIG. 1 c illustrates a plan view of the exterior rear-end of the embodiment in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top view of the container element of the embodiment in FIG. 1 a. FIG. 2 b illustrates an interior plan view of the end cap of the container in FIG. 2 a from the opening of the container, and FIG. 2 c illustrates an exterior plan view of the end cap of the container in FIG. 2 a from the rear end of the container element of the embodiment in FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 a illustrates an embodiment of a disposable collection assembly of the present invention having a non-tapered collection bag, and FIG. 3 b illustrates a disposable collection assembly of the present invention having a tapered collection bag.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a side-view perspective of an embodiment of a front cap of a disposable collection assembly without a bag of the present invention; FIG. 4 b illustrates an exterior, perpendicular-view perspective of the front cap of FIG. 4 a from the bag side of the cap; and FIG. 4 c illustrates a frontal, elevated, oblique-view perspective of the front cap of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a side-view perspective of another embodiment of a front cap of a disposable collection assembly without a bag of the present invention; FIG. 5 b illustrates a perpendicular-view perspective of the front cap of FIG. 5 a from the exterior side of the front cap; and FIG. 5 c illustrates an elevated, side-view perspective of the front cap of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a side-view perspective of another embodiment of a front cap of a disposable collection assembly without a bag of the present invention, and FIG. 6 b illustrates a perpendicular-view perspective of the front cap of FIG. 6 a from the bag side of the front cap.

FIG. 7 a illustrates yet another embodiment of a disposable collection assembly of the present invention including a holding-enabling element, shown by example and not by limitation on the front side of the front cap. FIG. 7 b illustrates a rear portion of yet another embodiment of an air-permeable bag having a rear end cap that includes protuberances on a exterior portion of the end cap.

FIG. 8 illustrates a use of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a source of vacuum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a vacuum attachment for collecting animal feces comprising a container having at least a first exterior opening releasably fitted with a disposable, fecal-matter collection assembly and having a slot to releasably engage an attachment fitting on the collection assembly; at least a second exterior opening fitted with a connector to allow connection to a source of suction or vacuum providing sufficient suction force at the opening of an intake tube capable of intaking animal feces; and at least one interior structure that prevents at least a portion of an air-permeable bag from contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the container or from being drawn into the connector, wherein the disposable collection assembly includes the intake tube; a collar; a sealing ridge on a perimeter of the collection assembly; an air-permeable bag; and an attachment fitting; and wherein i) the intake tube is in contact with a portion of an exterior surface of the collection assembly; has an exterior portion with an intake opening extending outwardly from the exterior surface of the collection assembly and an interior portion extending into, or through an interior surface of, the collection assembly; and is in substantially air-tight connection with the exterior surface of the collection assembly; ii) the collar surrounds a portion of the interior portion of the intake tube; iii) the sealing ridge is in substantially air-tight connection with first exterior opening of the container; iv) the bag has an opening securely and substantially air-tightly affixed to the collar, is disposed in the container's interior, and has a size and shape that do not allow the bag, when fully expanded, to completely fill the container's interior; and v) the collection assembly's attachment fitting is disposed so that it securely and releasably engages the slot on the container.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a side view; FIG. 1 b a front-end view; and FIG. 1 c a rear-end view of an embodiment of the present invention 1, comprising a container 10 having a length and a cross-sectional shape with dimensions, and a disposable, fecal-matter collection assembly 11, as illustrated in FIG. 1 a. Referring further to FIG. 1 a, the disposable collection assembly 11 further comprises a front cap 9; a sealing ridge 12; an intake tube 13, having a length 13 a extending outwardly from the exterior surface of front cap 9, an exterior opening 8 through which feces is taken in, an opening 8 a (not shown) inside the collection assembly, and, optionally, an interior portion extending into container 10 having length 13 b; an attachment fitting 18; a collar 20 having a depth, a thickness, and a cross-sectional shape preferably substantially concentric with, or fitable within, the cross-sectional shape of container 10, and a disposable, air-permeable bag 14 (shown in phantom disposed inside container 10, affixed to a portion of the depth of collar 20, and surrounding inside opening 8 a (not shown)), having optional bag end cap 25, preferably, but not necessarily, of substantially circular cross section affixed to the end of bag 14 opposite the bag end affixed to collar 20. More than one attachment fitting 18 may be used.

Although the geometry of the embodiment of container 10 in FIG. 1 a is substantially cylindrical, it is to be understood that such geometry of container 10 is an exemplary embodiment, not a limiting embodiment. Other container geometries are within the scope of the invention. Container 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as polymer, wood, or metal, and for cost and weight considerations, a polymeric material is preferred, such as a poly(vinylchloride), an acrylic, a polycarbonate, or an ABS.

Bag 14 is air-permeable so that the externally suction or vacuum provided at connector 15 induces substantial air flow into intake tube 13, then into and through bag 14, and through connector 15. The fabric of bag 14 is preferably an air permeable rayon or nylon and polyester blend that is water resistant and of a smooth texture to avoid intaken matter from sticking at the front of bag 14. Other materials such as air-permeable paper, woven or nonwoven fabric, or fine mesh may be used as long as they provide sufficient airflow therethrough but do not allow intaken fecal matter to pass through and reach the suction or vacuum source.

Bag end cap 25 helps hold bag 14 completely open in the center of container 10 during operation with an external vacuum source. Bag end cap 25 is not necessary, depending on the design of the bag, as shown in FIG. 3 b below. Bag end cap 25 may be made of a substantially non-air-permeable material, for example, rigid polymeric foam (e.g., styrofoam), cardboard, or plastic and may be affixed to bag 14 by any suitable means, for example, double-sided tape or adhesive. Bag end cap 25 may be made slightly smaller in cross section than the inside of collar 20 (e.g., see FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c,5 a, 5 b, 5 c) so that, bag end cap 25 may be twisted forward and stored in the inside of such collar. When suction is provided to container 10 with a collection assembly 11 having such a stored end cap, the incoming airflow will urge the end cap out of the collar and into container 10, allowing bag 14 to expand within the container.

Referring still to FIG. 1 a, the container 10 further comprises at least one exterior surface; an interior space having at least one interior surface; a first exterior opening 10 a (not shown) in container 10 providing access to the interior; a slot 17 (not shown) in the exterior surface near or contiguous to opening 10 a; a portion 7 (indicated but not shown) of the exterior surface having second exterior opening 6 (not shown), shown by example and not by limitation as having a fitting 15 affixed thereto for connection to a source of suction or vacuum; and at least one protuberance 16 (shown in phantom) on an interior surface therein. Although not shown in this embodiment, one or more protuberances, or handle mechanism may also be included on the exterior surface of container 10 to aid the user in holding onto or handling the invention.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a perspective view perpendicular to the exterior of front cap 9 of FIG. 1 a. Although the cross-sectional shape of exterior opening 8 of intake tube 13 is illustrated as circular, it may be of any cross-sectional shape that is substantially effective in intaking feces. Moreover, the shape of the cross-section and dimension(s) of intake tube 13 need not be constant along its length. For example, the cross-sectional area of intake tube 13 may increase or decrease or change shape as the cross-section approaches front cap 9.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a perspective view of portion 7 of container 10 as embodied in FIG. 1 a, having fitting 15, which connects to a source of suction or vacuum. Although fitting 15 is illustrated as having only a portion exterior to container 10, it may, instead of or in addition to the exterior portion, have a portion interior to 10, as long as the interior portion is not substantially contacted by bag 14 during use, which could reduce the efficacy of the vacuum force. Fitting 15 is illustrated by example and not by limitation as having a substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, fitting 15 may be designed to securely receive one of different adapters that in turn allows connection to different sources of suction or vacuum, thereby enhancing the versatility of the invention.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top view of container 10 in FIG. 1 a, showing opening 10 a, slot 17, fitting 15, and internal protuberances 16 (in phantom). FIG. 2 b illustrates a view from opening 10 a through the interior of container 10 perpendicular to the interior surface opposite exterior portion 7 (not shown), showing second exterior opening 6, internal protuberances 16, and fitting 15 (in phantom). FIG. 2 c illustrates an exterior, perpendicular view of container 10 toward exterior portion 7 of container 10, showing fitting 15 and internal protuberances 16 (in phantom). Internal protuberances 16 should protrude enough such that end cap 25 just contacts them so that a portion of bag 14 or end cap 25 do not enter or block connector 15 and obstruct airflow therethrough. Preferably, internal protuberances 16 protrude at least about one-half (0.5) inch. Though not illustrated, there may also be other protuberances 16 disposed on other portions of the interior surface of container 10 and adjacent the exterior surface of bag 14 to prevent portions of exterior surface of bag 14 from contacting the interior surface of container 10 such that airflow through the bag is reduced. Assembly 11 may have more than one fitting, the same as or different from fitting 18, and if so, container 10 will have one slot to releasably engage each said fitting.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view of the fecal-matter collection assembly 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 a when container 10 is removed, having a non-tapered bag 14 of substantially cylindrical shape when empty and expanded during use of the invention and end cap 25, of substantially circular cross-section, but not necessarily so. FIG. 3 b shows an alternative embodiment 14 a of a tapered, non-tapered (not shown), or gusseted (not shown) air-permeable bag without an end cap also usable in the invention.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a side-view perspective of an embodiment of front cap 9 of the disposable collection assembly 11 without a bag of the present invention in FIG. 3 a, showing sealing ridge 12; collar 20; feces intake tube 13, having an exterior length 13 a that extends outwardly from front cap 9, an exterior opening 8 through which feces is taken in, inside opening 8 a (indicated but not shown) surrounded by collar 20, and, optionally, a portion having length 13 b (in phantom) that extends into container 10; and attachment fitting 18, which securely and releasably engages a slot in container 10, for example, slot 17 as illustrated in FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a perpendicular-view perspective of the front cap 9 of FIG. 4 a from the bag side of front cap 9, showing sealing ridge 12; attachment fitting 18; collar 20; and inside opening 8 a of interior portion 13 b of intake tube 13.

FIG. 4 c illustrates an exterior, angularly elevated, partial side-view perspective of front cap 9 of FIG. 4 a, showing sealing ridge 12; intake tube 13 through which feces is taken in; attachment fitting 18; and collar 20.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a side-view perspective of another embodiment of a front cap 9 of a disposable collection assembly 11 (not shown) without a bag of the present invention, showing a sealing ridge 12; a collar 20; a feces intake tube 13, further comprising an exterior portion having a length 13 a extending outward from front cap 9 and an exterior opening 8 (indicated but not shown) through which feces is taken in; and attachment fitting 18, which securely and releasably engages a slot in container 10, for example, slot 17 as illustrated in FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 5 b illustrates a perpendicular-view perspective of front cap 9 of FIG. 5 a from the exterior of front cap 9, showing sealing ridge 12; and exterior opening 8 of feces intake tube 13 through which feces is taken in; and attachment fitting 18.

FIG. 5 c illustrates an elevated, perspective view of front cap 9 of FIG. 5 a between the side view of FIG. 5 a and a perpendicular frontal view, showing, inter alia, intake tube 13, which is of a generally conical shape. When intake tube 13 is used with the tapered, air-permeable bag 14 a of FIG. 3 b, the intake tube 13 and bag may be stacked or nested together for storage, shipping or packaging purposes.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a side-view perspective of another embodiment of a front cap 9 of a disposable collection assembly 11 without a bag of the present invention, showing a sealing ridge 12; a collar 20; a feces intake tube 13, comprising an exterior portion having a length 13 a extending outwardly from front cap 9, an exterior opening 8 through which feces is taken in, inside opening 8 a (not shown) surrounded by collar 20, and, optionally, an interior portion having length 13 b (in phantom); attachment fitting 18, which securely and releasably engages a slot in container 10, for example, slot 17 as illustrated in FIG. 2 a; and stand-off elements 19, in contact with collar 20 and which a portion of the interior surface of container 10 immediately adjacent to opening 10 a (FIG. 2 a) contacts so that the interior space of container 10 is substantially centered about collar 20, and the interior surface of container 10 does not unduly interfere with or damage the portion of bag 14 attached to collar 20.

FIG. 6 b illustrates a perpendicular-view perspective of front cap 9 of FIG. 6 a from the bag side of the front cap, showing sealing ridge 12; collar 20; interior opening 8 a of interior portion 13 b (indicated but not shown) of intake tube 13 (not shown); attachment fitting 18; and stand-off elements 19, in contact with collar 20. Although element 19 is shown as a plurality of discrete elements, element 19 may also be a single, continuous annular flange completely circumscribing collar 20 but of a depth less than the depth of collar 20 and preferably of a depth that provides collar 20 with at least about one-quarter (0.25) inch available depth to affix the open end of the air-permeable bag.

FIG. 7 a illustrates yet another embodiment of a disposable collection assembly 11 of the present invention that is a modification of the embodiment in FIG. 6 a, the modification comprising an added handle 21, shown by example and not by limitation on the top of the front side of front cap 9. Handle 21 may be used in removal of an assembly 11 containing fecal matter from container 10 and in carrying the assembly to disposal without handling a fecally contaminated intake tube 13.

FIG. 7 b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention where the interior surface of portion 7 of container 10 does not have protuberances, and the exterior surface of an end cap 25 of a bag 14 may have one or more protuberant structures, for example, discrete protuberances 16 a, to help prevent end cap 25 from clogging or obstructing connector 15 and reducing the airflow there through. A protuberant structure may be of annular design that does not obstruct second exterior opening 6 (not shown) or connector 15. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more discrete protuberant structures, end cap 25 may comprise a corrugated structure on at least a rear portion its outside surface substantially adjacent to second exterior opening 6 (not shown). These protuberant structures or the equivalent thereof could allow the end cap to contact the interior surface of portion 7 without substantially adversely affecting the airflow through second exterior opening 6 or connector 15.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary use of the present invention 1 including exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 3 a. A user would first insert an assembly 11 into container 10 so as to initially engage fitting 18 into slot 17 and rotating assembly 11 relative to container 10 so that fitting 18 and slot 17 are securely engaged. One end of vacuum source tube 22 is connected to unactivated vacuum source 23, and the other end of vacuum source tube 22 is insertably connected to connector 15 of container 10, resulting in a substantially air-tight connection region 24. Vacuum source tube 22 may be inserted into connector 15 or vice versa, or a separate adapter that connects to both vacuum source tube 22 and connector 15 may also be used if vacuum source tube 22 and connector 15 are not directly connectable. Vacuum source 23 is then activated. When assembly 11 has not been previously used, the user may place his or hand near opening 8 to verify air intake. With intake suction provided at opening 8, the user engages feces 5, or other small debris, to be removed with the end of intake tube 13, whereupon feces 5 is sucked into and collected in air-permeable bag 14 (not shown).

After removal of feces 5 and/or other debris, vacuum source 23 is deactivated, and vacuum source tube 22 is disconnected from connector 15. Invention 1 is then stored in a suitable place until future use. Invention 1 being of various size capacities to meet residential or commercial use with the intent of assembly 11 to be a one-time use at predetermined intervals (IE: weekly). When air-permeable bag 14 (not shown) is full of collected matter or becomes so non-air-permeable that sufficient intake suction cannot be achieved, assembly 11 is disengaged from container 10 by reversing the previous engagement procedure and properly disposed of.

Although specific embodiments and uses of the present invention have been set forth herein, other embodiments and uses are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed. 

1. A vacuum attachment for collecting animal feces comprising: a container with at least a first exterior opening fitted with a disposable cap assembly, a slot to releasably engage an attachment fitting on the cap assembly, at least a second exterior opening fitted with a connector to allow connection to a source of suction or vacuum providing sufficient suction force at the opening of an intake tube capable of intaking animal feces or small debris, an interior space and surface, and at least one interior structure that prevents at least a portion of an air-permeable bag from contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the container or from being drawn into or obstructing airflow through the connector, wherein the disposable cap assembly releasably fits into the first exterior opening of the container and includes the intake tube; a collar; a sealing ridge on a perimeter of the cap assembly, an air-permeable bag; and an attachment fitting; and wherein i) the intake tube is in contact with an exterior surface of the cap assembly; has a portion exterior to the cap assembly having an intake opening; extends from the exterior surface of the cap assembly; has an interior portion extending into or through an interior surface of the cap assembly; and is in substantially air-tight connection with the exterior surface of the cap assembly; ii) the collar is in substantially air-tight connection with the cap assembly's interior surface, is not in contact with the container's interior surface, and surrounds the interior portion of the intake tube; iii) the sealing ridge is in substantially air-tight connection with first exterior opening of the container; iv) an opening of the bag is securely and substantially air-tightly affixed to the collar, is disposed in the container's interior, and has a size and shape that do not allow the bag, when fully expanded, to completely fill the container's interior space; and (v) the cap assembly's attachment fitting is disposed so that it securely and releasably engages the slot on the container.
 2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the exterior portion of the intake tube is tapered.
 3. The intake tube of claim 2 wherein the tapered portion has a shape substantially that of a frustum of a cone.
 4. The intake tube of claim 3 wherein the shape of the frustum is substantially an asymmetric cone.
 5. The attachment of claim 1 wherein an area generally comprising the opening of the intake tube is at an angle to the cap assembly's exterior surface not substantially greater than 90 degrees.
 6. The attachment of claim 1 wherein a portion of the air-permeable bag distal from the collar comprises an end cap.
 7. The attachment of claim 6 wherein the end cap further comprises a structure that prevents the end cap from substantially reducing airflow through the connector. 